The travel and hospitality industries are challenged by high energy costs, automation, taxes and fees and corporate consolidation. Downsizing, mergers, and economic weakness have reduced the total number of leadership opportunities across our industry. Continuous learning and demonstrated expertise are required to compete. More than 75% of all jobs that pay >$100K per year are found through a candidates network. You may not be in the job market, but you probably have friends who are. Although personal brand-building has its roots in career coaching – there are enormous benefits you can gain in your current position.

A solid network is good business – personal referrals create more opportunities and will help you close more deals faster (on either side of the transaction).

Linkedin has established the highest market-gravity for contemporary business professionals. We’ll review how you should use it to grow your reach and connect with people effectively.

Power topics: the power of visibility, accessibility, focus (specialization), connected people, similar people, groups (why you should join, doors that open, broader reach).

This presentation will elevate novice Linkedin users to an expert level. I’ll teach participants SEO marketing principles and forensic research skills to find information about people and companies with Linkedin.

• Corporate mascots.
• Perspective (and advanced search features).
• Your profile, your groups, your titles and your connections.
• Measure the right things.
• Make time for activities that will drive your brand.
• You can replicate success.
• Good SEO mechanics.
• How do you find people?
• How do people find you?

At the end of this presentation you will be ready to compete and win against professional networkers and understand the power of your personal brand.

Speaker: Paul Laherty   Vice President, Sales - DIIO

Paul Laherty is Cornerstone’s Managing Director of Corporate and Partner Sales. In this capacity he is responsible for the placement of Cornerstone’s products into the corporate travel market via direct selling and agency partner distribution. 

Paul started his career in corporate travel with American Airlines where he led teams in sales, marketing and finance including the global corporate contracts team. Paul also re-launched and transformed American’s business loyalty program, Business ExtrAA, and introduced the first corporate loyalty credit card with American Express.  At Advito, Paul was responsible for managing the America’s Air and Hotel consulting teams.  Most recently he served in a general manager capacity with Travelocity. 

Paul served in the United States Army and holds both an MBA and a BS from Indiana University. He lives in Southlake, Texas with his wife and two daughters and flies a Cherokee 140 as often as time allows.  Paul hosts “Trends in Travel Management” and is active on LinkedIn and Twitter.